A Guide to Becoming a Tree Hugger

Why be a tree hugger? Because, you get to eat granola, miss a shower or two and wear vegan shoes! Well actually there is more to being a tree hugger than that. The phrase tree hugger is usually thought of as an extreme environmentalist who dresses like a hippie. However, a little tree hugger attitude can go a long way if you want to reduce your carbon footprint. So, if you are looking for ways to become a tree hugger there are a couple of basic rules that to follow. You can start by trading in your gas guzzling SUV for a hybrid, spend your free time hiking, lay off the animal products and be sure to always have an emergency stash of granola handy. After you have the basics down you can upgrade to vegan clothes and the ability to identify tree species. Maybe you cannot commit to the total make over yet, but at least be sure to recycle and carpool when possible. Having some appreciation for nature and making sustainable choices will help trees, animals, and humans.

Follow these resources to learn more about the tree hugger way of life:

Electric and Hybrid Cars

Benefits and Considerations of Electricity as a Vehicle FuelThe United States Department of Energy addresses the personal and environmental advantages of owning an electric or hybrid car. Stop suffocating your friends with nasty carbon emissions and purchase one of these nifty bad boys.About Owning a Hybrid or Electric CarWhat tree loving hippie still drives a gas guzzler? No excuses exist anymore. The National Geographic explains the benefits of owning a hybrid or electric car.How Hybrid Cars WorkHowStuffWorks explains the engineering behind hybrid cars, which run solely off an energy storage device. Ride with confidence knowing that simply going to work will help save a tree.

Ready, Set, Hike

Hiking 101The Washington Trails Association shares a basic introduction to hiking for the blossoming tree hugger.Hiking ResourcesThe American Hiking Society provides multiple resources for the avid hiker who loves to get out into the wild, including general information on preparation, outdoor skills, gear, first-aid tips, and trails.Trails.com: Find a TrailTrails.com offers a vast database of trails found throughout North American, even for those interested in other sporting activities. This essential resource will have the die-hard tree hugger salivating for trails full of “sappy” like-minded people. Get Ready to Hike!The National Wildlife Federation provides these tips for parents who want get their kids’ into the tree hugging spirit.Hiking Tips: Hike Smart (PDF)The United States National Park Service stresses the importance of hiking safely to avoid getting side-swapped by a tree branch looking for revenge on those who have devastated its territory.

Animal Friendly Lifestyle

Find Endangered SpeciesThe United States Fish and Wildlife Service shares a list of endangered species within the country. Take advantage of volunteer opportunities to prevent the extinction of these wonderful animals.The Wildlife Conservation SocietyWild men know how to save wildlife and wild places. Take the conservation challenge at the Wildlife Conservation Society to have a wild time.People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)Calling all tree-hugging vigilantes: join the PETA to help curb animal abuse in domestic homes and multiple industries.50 Ways to Save AnimalsSave the forest and save the animals. Use these fifty unique ideas to help animals who have lost their homes due to deforestation and other environmental destruction.Save the Animals FoundationVolunteer at this organization to save animals. Adopt a furry friend at this no-kill shelter.

Name that Tree

What Tree Is It?The Ohio Public Library Information Network offers a tree identification guide that will help tree huggers identify their specimen by leaf, fruit, and name. Spend hours sifting through the amazing varieties of trees and go buy one for your backyard!Tree and Shrub Information Guide (PDF)Print, grab a camera, and head to the outdoors to find the trees listed on this color-coded chart. Prepare to gaze in awe at the towering splendor.Arbor Day Foundation: Tree GuideEnroll as a member at the Arbor Day Foundation to start planting, nurturing, and celebrating trees. This tree guide will help you select the right tree for the right location at the right time.